Obituary: Dr. Ronald J. Tallarida

September 30, 2016

Ronald J. Tallarida (1937-2016)

Dr. Ronald J. Tallarida, an internationally recognized pharmacologist and expert in the study of drug combinations, died at his home in West Deptford, New Jersey, on September 23, 2016. A Professor of Pharmacology for over 50 years in the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, Dr. Tallarida was renowned for his work on the theoretical and practical application of mathematical pharmacology.

He was one of the first scientists in the field to develop mathematical models that describe the interactions of multiple drugs when taken in combination, and these methods are used routinely today to create powerful new medicines to combat a variety of pain related symptoms. Dr. Tallarida taught pharmacology to generations of students and will be remembered for the enormous impact he had on all who learned from or were trained by him.

His investigative work opened major new avenues of research and he remained a pioneer in his field even at an advanced age. He earned his B.S. (1959) and M.S. (1963) in Physics and Mathematics from Drexel University and his Ph.D. in Pharmacology (1967) from Temple University. Dr. Tallarida is the author of the seminal textbook in the field, the bestselling Manual of Pharmacologic Calculations (1981) in addition to the Pocketbook of Integrals in Mathematical Formulas, now in its 5th edition, and the widely used Pocketbook of Electrical Engineering Formulas (1993).

He was a sought after speaker and the prolific author of nearly 300 scientific publications and 11 books. An accomplished inventor, he held four U.S. patents and served as a consultant to industry and the United States government, most recently working with the Walter Reed Army Hospital and the United States Army, helping veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries.

Ronald Joseph Tallarida was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 26, 1937. He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Theresa (nee Valera). He was a devoted and loving father of Karen (Ed) Marshall, Diane (Dave) Heggan, Valerie (Michael) Moffa, R.J. (Kelly) Tallarida and Chris Tallarida. Proud grandfather of Erica, Stephanie and Melissa Marshall; David, Brandon and Taylor Heggan; Dominic, Bianca and Santino Moffa; and Jason Tallarida. He is also survived by his sister Mildred (the late Anthony) Verello and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his daughter Sandy Tallarida.